McConnell declines to endorse Boehner plan

Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (Ky.) on Tuesday declined to endorse a proposal issued the day before from Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) that would raise revenue by $800 billion.

McConnell kept his distance from a proposal that received a hail of criticism from conservatives, including Sen. Jim DeMint (R-S.C.), a prominent voice in the Senate GOP conference.

Instead, McConnell praised Boehner for showing leadership and scolded the president for not taking a more active role.

“I have no particular observation other than that I commend the House Republican leadership for trying to move the process along and getting to a point where I hope we can have a real discussion,” McConnell told reporters after the weekly Republican lunch.

McConnell said behind-the-scenes talks between Boehner and senior White House officials have stalled.